In the era of digital commerce, a fresh retail outlet has emerged at a shopping center in Kitchener, Ontario, providing local vendors with a physical platform to showcase and sell their products. The Local, which opened its doors at Fairview Park Mall on Saturday, serves as a hub for approximately 80 Canadian vendors to display their goods collectively.
Lorenz and Rizzy Manaig, the co-owners, established the store with the aim of assisting vendors in growing their businesses on a local scale. Their motivation stemmed from encountering challenges in a fiercely competitive online market. Rizzy initiated her own online venture in 2018 and observed that online platforms like Etsy often compel vendors to reduce prices due to intense competition from international sellers.
The Manaigs sought to address this issue by bridging the gap between helping vendors expand their product lines and instilling confidence in their pricing strategies. They believe that amid the imposition of tariffs leading some vendors to shut down their online operations, offering a local alternative is essential.
Their inaugural store, The Local, debuted last year at London’s White Oaks Mall, followed by another outlet in Port Stanley named the Port Stanley Gift Shop. Over 30 vendors hail from the Waterloo region, with 40 vendors from the London location also venturing into the Kitchener market.
In addition to supporting local vendors, Rizzy emphasized the importance of guiding customers to discover local products within a mall setting. The presence of diverse handmade items at the mall fosters a connection with the community, enabling patrons to identify and appreciate local vendors in the vicinity.
Catherine Young, the proprietor of Backyard Honey Company in Wellesley and one of the vendors at The Local, anticipates that the mall location will attract a new customer base for her products, offering exposure to individuals who may not typically visit Wellesley or similar small stores.
For some vendors, such as Dami Rodrigo of Ceylon Selects, showcasing products at the mall marks a significant milestone, providing them with a permanent physical space for retail. Rodrigo, who specializes in premium Sri Lankan tea, expressed excitement at this opportunity, highlighting the progress from initially selling at markets to now featuring products in a mall environment.
Niclin McNeice, the creative mind behind Nic Da Stick Creations, shared apprehensions about unveiling her artwork in a permanent display. Specializing in designs inspired by Pikachu and cats, McNeice acknowledged the magnitude of this exposure and expressed hope that visitors would appreciate her creations.
Under the store’s rent-based system, each vendor retains 100% of their profits. This setup, accompanied by a fully operational store seven days a week, staffed and ready, allows vendors in Kitchener to concentrate solely on their craft, as noted by Lorenz.
To uphold authenticity, the Manaigs implement a vendor application process to ensure that all items sold are genuinely handmade. Vendors are required to provide progress photos and videos to validate their crafting process. Lorenz envisions The Local’s success by catering to customers seeking genuine, handcrafted products in a time where trust in online visuals is waning. The inclusion of vendor stories on store shelves fosters a sense of community and passion behind the craftsmanship, enhancing the overall shopping experience.